Top 10 Shortest Footballers in the World Featuring Lionel Messi and Alexis Sanchez
Football has long moved past the idea that only tall, strong players succeed. The sport now values skill above all else, and many shorter players have proven their talent on the biggest stages. Here’s a rundown of the 10 shortest footballers making waves globally, listed with their heights.
- 10. Xherdan Shaqiri (5 ft 7)Born in 1991, the Swiss winger of Yugoslavian and Albanian roots is known for his speed and skill. Having played for Liverpool, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan, Shaqiri earned nicknames like "Alpine Messi" due to his flair. His hat-trick in the 2014 FIFA World Cup against Honduras highlighted his goal-scoring prowess.
- 9. Lionel Messi (5 ft 7)Messi, born in 1987, is often called the greatest footballer ever. Currently captaining Inter Miami and Argentina, he has won eight Ballon d'Or trophies, six European Golden Shoes, and led Argentina to Copa América and World Cup glory. His time at Barcelona was marked by 34 trophies including four Champions League titles.
- 8. Alexis Sanchez (5 ft 6.5)The Chilean forward, born in 1988, is still going strong at 35. Sanchez has played for clubs like Manchester United and Barcelona, where he was once the shortest player in La Liga. His European club career spans multiple top teams across the continent.
- 7. Joe Allen (5 ft 6)Welsh midfielder Joe Allen started at Swansea City, making his pro debut at 16. He helped the club rise from League One to the Premier League before moving to Liverpool in 2012 for £15 million. After several seasons at Stoke City, he returned to Swansea in 2022.
- 6. N'Golo Kanté (5 ft 6)Known as a tireless defensive midfielder, Kanté rose through French lower leagues to become a world champion with France. He was key to Leicester City's shock Premier League win in 2016 and then Chelsea's consecutive league titles. His individual awards include Premier League Player of the Season and UEFA Men's Midfielder of the Year.
- 5. Yuya Osako (5 ft 5)Japanese international Osako scored a historic goal in the 2018 World Cup, helping Japan beat Colombia. He played for Vissel Kobe and starred in the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, scoring four goals to guide Japan to the finals.
- 4. Marco Verratti (5 ft 4)The Italian midfielder, playing for Al-Arabi and Italy, began at Pescara where he won Serie B before moving to Paris Saint-Germain. With PSG, he claimed nine Ligue 1 titles and is the club’s third-highest appearance maker. Internationally, he helped Italy win Euro 2020.
- 3. Lorenzo Insigne (5 ft 3)Insigne, a skilled winger, made his mark at Napoli starting in 2009. Known for creativity and free-kick expertise, he played a part in Italy’s runs to the Euro 2016 and Euro 2020 finals.
- 2. Daniel Villalva (5 ft 0)Argentine Villalva debuted for River Plate at just 16, scoring early in his career. Despite a serious injury and River Plate’s relegation, he bounced back. He represented Argentina in youth tournaments including the 2009 U-17 World Cup.
- 1. Elton Jose Xavier Gomes (5 ft 0)Known as Élton Arábia, this Brazilian attacking midfielder earned his nickname during his successful spell in Saudi Arabia. Despite his small stature, he has left a significant impression on the pitch.
